Athletics
NOC lifts Tobi Amusan’s spirit
The Board of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has reached out to Tobi Amusan, giving her some comforting words.
This is in the light of her race at Budapest 2023 which she lost her title as the World 100m hurdles champion. She placed sixth after returning at 12.62 secs.
“Although you may have faced disappointment in failing to defend your 100-metres hurdle, we want you to know that all is not lost”, the NOC remarked in a statement.
In the message contained in a press release issued by NOC public relations officer, Tony Nezianya, the committee wrote:
“We are consoled that your 12.12 seconds world record set at Oregon, U.S., is intact. We know you have been under considerable pressure lately. Do not lose your focus as the 2024 Paris Games are still a year ahead of you.”
The statement by Nezianya on behalf of Habu Gumel, President of the NOC noted that the outcome is not the end of the world, nor does it define your talents or abilities.
“Competing at such a high level comes with its fair share of ups and downs, victories and setbacks. It is through these challenging moments that we grow and discover our true resilience.
“Tobi, you have shown incredible strength throughout your career, and this setback will only serve as another stepping stone on your path to success.
“Remember, the most successful athletes have faced defeats but have managed to bounce back even stronger. It is during these difficult times that you develop the mental fortitude and discipline necessary to overcome obstacles.
“Take this experience as an opportunity to learn, refocus, and refine your strategies for future races.
“You are an inspiration to countless individuals who look up to your incredible athletic journey. Your unwavering commitment to your sport and your ability to rise above adversity is truly remarkable. We do not doubt that you will bounce back, stronger than ever before.
“Take some time to reflect, recharge, and surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and coaches. “They will be there to encourage and uplift you throughout this process. Remember, you are not alone in this pursuit of greatness.
“We believe in your exceptional talent and boundless potential. You have proven time and time again that you have what it takes to succeed.
“Embrace this setback as an opportunity for growth and use it to fuel your fire. Your comeback will be nothing short of extraordinary.
“Stay strong, Tobi. Your best has yet to come.”
Amusan was under a provisional suspension over whereabouts; the ban was lifted just two days ahead of the start of the Budapest World Championships. This must have had some considerable negative impact on her performance.
Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan is the winner as the Court of Arbitration for Sports, CAS has rejected the appeals filed by World Athletics and WADA.
The decision confirms the decision taken by the World Athletics disciplinary tribunal finding that Tobi Amusan did not commit any anti-doping rule violation.
Here is the full statement of CAS.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeals filed by
World Athletics (WA) and by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against the decision issued on 17 August 2023 (the Challenged Decision) by the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal (WADT) in relation to the hurdler Oluwatobiloba (Tobi) Amusan (Nigeria).
Accordingly, the Challenged Decision in which the WADT considered that Tobi Amusan did not violate Rule 2.4 of the WA Anti-Doping Rules (WA ADR) and that no period of ineligibility should be imposed on the Athlete is confirmed.
The Athlete was initially charged with committing an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) under Rule 2.4 WA ADR following three alleged Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period.
In their respective appeal to CAS, WA and WADA had sought the imposition of a two-year period of ineligibility. The CAS Panel held a hearing on 19 January 2024. Having deliberated, the CAS Panel has issued its decision today dismissing both appeals. The CAS Panel unanimously acknowledged that the Athlete committed two filing failures but did not confirm the existence of a missed test, alleged by WA and WADA, which would have been the third Whereabouts Failure committed within a 12-month
period. Accordingly, the CAS Panel concluded that the Athlete did not commit an ADRV and that the Challenged Decision should be confirmed.
The reasoned award will be published by CAS unless the parties request confidentiality.
Nigeria’s Paris 2024 medal hopeful, Tobi Amusan has been cleared as the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has dismissed the appeal filed by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the World Athletics.
She is therefore cleared to feature at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Amusan is the 100m hurdles world record holder.
The athlete was charged in July last year with missing three anti-doping tests in 12 months but was cleared of the offence by the Disciplinary Tribunal of the sport’s governing body, World Athletics.
The Integrity Unit of the World Athletics appealed the clearance which has now been dismissed by CAS, the final arbiter in the case.
CAS in its statement remarked that its panel “unanimously acknowledged that the athlete committed two filing failures but did not confirm the existence of a missed test, alleged by WA and WADA, which would have been the third Whereabouts Failure committed within 12 months.”
Amusan set the world record of 12.12 seconds in the world championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July 2022 and went on to win the title.
She finished sixth in the world championships in Budapest last year.
World Athletics’ anti-doping rules say any athlete failing to declare their whereabouts for a doping test on three occasions over 12 months is ineligible to compete for two years.
An elated Nigeria’s 100m hurdles world record holder, Tobi Amusan has thanked God for her success in an appeal filled against her by the Athletics Integrity Unit of the World Athletics.
Had the appeal been upheld, ,Amusan would have has to miss the Paris 2024 Olymoics.
“It’s ALL GOD” Amusan said in an Instagram post alongside the court’s announcement.
Amusan, who broke the world record during her semi-final race at the 2022 world championships, is a hot favourite in her signature event at the Paris Olympics, which begin on July 26.
World Athletics and WADA did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
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